Whale Watching

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The Pacific Northwest is home to a multitude of marvelous creatures and nature. You can go from exploring a temperate rain forest to hiking on top of a 5,000-foot mountain covered with snow in less than two hours. Bald Eagles roam the skies, elk patrol the woods, and seals dart through the Pacific Ocean. While all of those animals are a sight to behold, few are more amazing than whale watching off the Washington Coast!

Everything You Need to Know About Whale Watching on the Washington Coast

When Can You Watch?

Gray whales migrate along the Pacific coast twice every year. The spring migration takes place from March through May as groups travel north from Mexico to their feeding grounds in Alaska, passing right by Seabrook on their voyage. The fall migration takes place from October to February as the gray whales begin to head back south to warmer waters with pregnant females taking the lead. The best time to go whale watching in Washington state is during the beginning of March through May.

Where Can You Watch?

Pacific Beach State Park is one of the most popular spots to see whales near Seabrook. The Pacific Beach Resort Lookout Tower is a great vantage point to spot whales with a pair of binoculars. You can also head about an hour south of Seabrook to Westport from March to June and participate in one of the charter offices’ whale watching tours. Take a day trip to Kalaloch, about an hour north of Seabrook, during peak viewing times to spot gray whales from Olympic National Park. The month of May is the best time to see the whales on their migration, but the National Park Service also recommends April as prime time viewing. For other suggestions on when and where to go whale watching in Washington state, check out the Whale Trail.

Other Great Whale Watching Tips

As you whale watch along the Washington Coast, there’s a good chance that you’ll spot some of the other abundant wildlife in the water, on the shore, and in the air!

Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and other large coastal birds perching in the tall trees on the coastline

Seals, otters, and dolphins enjoy playing in the waves and shallow coastal waters. Sometimes seals even sunbath on the beach!

Whale watching encounters are quick, so you may not have time to take pictures. Even if you can snap a photo, make sure you sit back and enjoy this mesmerizing experience.

If you have the chance, take a guided tour in the Strait of Juan de Fuca for an up-close encounter with an Orca and other marine life.

Make Seabrook Your Whale Watching Home

Once you’ve been whale watching in Washington state, you’ll need a place to come back and relax. Consider one of our Seabrook Cottage Rentals! Book an oceanfront property so you can stay close to the beach and be on the lookout for migrating whales.

Take a look at our history and area pages for a closer look at why Seabrook is the place to visit for your Washington getaway! Check our full list of vacation rentals to find the perfect one for your next vacation. We look forward to meeting you!